53 replies to this topic

[bmdaniel]

Since it sounds like you are mostly in DFW, I'd definitely recommend Tei An for a spectacular Japanese experience. Tex-Mex you'll hear a lot of different opinions - in Dallas, I prefer Avila's and Mia's (and Cafe San Miguel for Mex-Mex).

For BBQ, best bet is if you go to Austin. If so, stop at Louie Muller's in Taylor on the way down, or go south to Lockhart to any of the main places there.

I wish I had some better McKinney recommendations - don't know the area very well.

[Chefb28]

Thanks bmdaniel for the recommendations, these sound good

[Richard Kilgore]

I also can recommend Tei-An. Call ahead and ask them to do the Chef's Table for you. There are two versions at $50 and $80. We did the $50 version and everyone felt it was not only a great meal, but also plenty of food.

For high end Mexican, it may be worth the drive to Ft. Worth to Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana. Haven't been there, but it's high on my to-do list.

If you have two or three days, the barbecue trail through the Hill Country is a great thing to do, but this is not a day trip from McKinney. At least not for most of us.

If you firm things up a bit and can give us an idea of how many meals in what price range/type of food/in what geographic area, we can probably be of some additional assistance.

[Chefb28]

Richard thank you for the recommendations, we're honestly only planning on 2-3 meals the entire week we're there, because we'll be staying with family and my girlfriends mom is an awesome cook. Far as type of cuisine goes, I'd like to eat some good mexican food, definitely some great bbq and a good japanese restaurant. Price range roughly no more than $40-$60 per person. Thanks again

[Chefb28]

Also in regards to my last reply for geographical area, we'll mostly be in Mckinney, TX which is 45min north of Dallas, but we plan on going to Dallas and possibly Austin.

[jsmeeker]

I'm really not familiar with good dining options up in the McKinney area, sorry to say.

For BBQ, check out the BBQ in DFW area topic. At the very end, I have added a post that links to a new D Magazine article that names 16 top places in the greater DFW area. I haven't had a chance to try any of the places, except one of them. ( a place I had been to well before the list came out)

For Tex-Mex, I still like Mia's and the brisket tacos. They are great. Its not in the McKinney area, but if you are going to venture into Dallas, you should consider it. They are opened for lunch, too.

[Rico]

For Tex-Mex, I still like Mia's and the brisket tacos. They are great.

I will second this. And if someone gave me two votes, I'd third it, too.

[Richard Kilgore]

Richard thank you for the recommendations, we're honestly only planning on 2-3 meals the entire week we're there, because we'll be staying with family and my girlfriends mom is an awesome cook. Far as type of cuisine goes, I'd like to eat some good mexican food, definitely some great bbq and a good japanese restaurant. Price range roughly no more than $40-$60 per person. Thanks again

Sometimes visitors are not really aware of the distances here. Austin is probably not practical, unless you have 2 - 3 days and you are not trying to get only one meal (barbecue) into the trip. You could pack sandwiches, start at 5 am and get back at 2 am the next day, I guess, but not my idea of fun. You'll need to get out of Austin to find the best stuff.

Check out the post Jeff mentioned above for some barbecue suggestions within a couple of hours drive. I would focus on the top 3 - 5 or so on their list. Not that I have tried them, but I have tried some of those lower down that they recommend...but I can't.

If you do barbecue and good Mexican like Mia's (but not high end), you'll spend so little that you can easily do Tei-An if you stay away from the high-price sake.

[Chefb28]

Thanks for all the great info everyone, we do plan on going to Austin for 2-3 days, but just not a 100% sure, we'll have to see when we get there. But I definitely would like to check out Tei-an or Tei Tei and mia's the menu looks good, jsmeeker I'll have to check out that mag about the bbq. Once again Thanks everyone for your input.

[Andrew Chalk]

I'm really not familiar with good dining options up in the McKinney area, sorry to say.

You didn't miss them -- there aren't any, pretty much. For an area of 100k+ high-income people the place is remarkably barren.

However, you might be able to try:
Gregory's just moved there last week from Plano. Plano's loss as this chef-driven French/New American bistro serves carefully prepared locally sourced food. Their web site describes them as "permanently closed". This conflicts with the note on the door of the closed Plano location and I don't know the truth of the matter.

For Tex Mex Chitos is in Plano but just a couple of exits down the freeway at Legacy (see map). Unpretentious family-run Mexican with homemade salsa and great huaraches for those who like to eat sandals. BYOB.

Don't waste your time going to Mia's. It's 30+ miles each way for a mediocre place resting on its laurels that Oak Lawn locals won't walk down the street for.

Almost opposite Chito's is Little Szechuan a good Szechuan restaurant. Try the tongue. BYOB but the food is HOT!

[victornet]

This is just based on a quick visit to Dallas back in 2004, but the Cabrito at El Ranchito was spectacular. If it hasn't changed too much (the description at the time was kitschy which accounted for the mariachi music, but the food was anything but) this is worth the trip.

[Andrew Chalk]

Their web site describes them as "permanently closed".

New web site has new address. Apparently opening this week.

[Chefb28]

That Gregory's looks pretty decent for french food in Texas, I might have to check it out when I go in April. I'm excited to try out Tei-Tei robata grill, that looks amazing and right up my ally. Thanks for all the replies, keep them comming.

[DanM]

Bump... LOML and I will be in Plano for Thanksgiving. Any new suggestions out there?

Thanks!

[Kevin72]

What cuisines/types of restaurants would you be looking for?

[DanM]

Just about anything, vegetarian friendly is important though.

[kayb]

And bump again....I'm in Dallas this weekend. A group of us have reservations at Al Biernat's. I wasn't famliar with it, googled, looked at the menu, and it looks fabulous. Comments? Suggestions? Reviews?

[bmdaniel]

It's a steakhouse - pretty decent at what it is, if that's what you want.

[Rico]

Agreed with bmdaniel, I think it's a perfectly suitable steakhouse.
American Airlines magazine said it was the best place to get a drink in Dallas, for what that's worth - I can name a few that I prefer, if you're interested.

How long are you here? How many meals out?

Edited to take out unnecessary commentary and edit some poor, poor grammar.

Edited by Rico, 28 September 2011 - 04:08 PM.

[jsmeeker]

Al Biernat's has been around a long time. It's kind of a Dallas institution. I think it's a fine choice if you are in the Oak Lawn/Highland Park area.

[DanM]

Mr Kilgore

Do you have any new suggestions for the Plano or Northern suburbs? We are back in town and are always looking for fun new places.

Thanks!

Dan

[hll]

Anyone have any special suggestions for one dinner in Dallas. Business meeting so cost not a real concern.

Thanks in advance.

[Dana]

Can't go wrong with Pappa's Brother's Steakhouse. Not really innovative, but very nice.

[justj4]

each have multiple locations, I like pappasitos, and gloria's restaurants http://www.gloriasrestaurants.com/ . There are several nice restaurants at the shops of legacy near Plano area.